Sam Curran returned with a match-winning bowling performance as England defeated the West Indies by six wickets in the second One Day International in Antigua on Wednesday.
Curran was bowled for 98 runs off 9.5 overs as England lost by four wickets in the series opener on Sunday – the worst performance by an England bowler in ODI cricket.
But the left-arm seamer and wing bowler replied brilliantly on Wednesday, taking three of the first four wickets as the hosts were bowled out for 202 from 39.4 overs in the day/night match.
Will Jacks then anchored the English response at the top of the order with 73, while Jos Buttler returned to form to lead England to victory with an unbeaten 58 in an unbroken fifth-wicket partnership of 90 with Harry Brook (43 not out).
“It was tough the other day, but we just have to keep moving forward and try to bounce back,” Curran said after being named Man of the Match at Sir Vivian Richards Stadium.
Curran’s first burst and Gus Atkinson’s assistance reduced the West Indies to 23 for four.
It would have been a complete capitulation by the hosts had it not been for a 129-run fifth-wicket partnership between captain Shai Hope (68) and Sherfane Rutherford (63).
Spinner Liam Livingston then stole the show, dismissing both Hope and Rutherford before quickly adding another to complete with three wickets.
With two wickets each, Atkinson and frontline spinner Rehan Ahmed split the spoils.
The West Indies’ recklessness at the crease was exemplified by the fact that their innings ended with 10 overs of the allocated 50 remaining unused as consecutive players strove to outdo each other in the extravagance of their strokeplay.
In response, England openers Jacks and Phil Salt raced to 50 in the sixth over. Gudakesh Motie claimed two victims on a pitch that provided significant help for the spinners, and the tourists had some work to do at 116 for four.
Buttler and Brook allayed any fears, with the England captain becoming only the fifth Englishman to reach 5,000 runs in ODIs with his first half-century in 15 innings.
“I’ve been searching a bit for some form so it was great to spend some time in the middle,” Mr. Buttler remarked.
“I was really getting fed up with the way things were going so it’s pleasing to get back to something like the player I know I am.”
It was a case of the home team failing to respond to the early challenge, according to Hope.
“We didn’t play the situation wisely enough and dug ourselves a deep hole.” Now we must prepare for the championship game.”
Hope will be at his home stadium, Kensington Oval in Barbados, for the final on Saturday before the teams switch formats for a five-match T20 International series.